Former Refugio police chief's trial begins

Testimony is expected to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the case of former Refugio Police Chief Chris Brock, who is charged with misusing forfeited money.

Testimony was expected to begin Tuesday, but attorneys spent most of the day going over evidence and documents, said visiting Judge Bert Richardson, of San Antonio.

District Attorney Michael Sheppard and his assistant, Ray Hardy, will prosecute the case, while John Gilmore, of Corpus Christi, is the defense attorney.

The case was moved to Victoria from Refugio on a change of venue request.

Sheppard's three-county district includes Refugio.

Brock is charged with misappropriating between $20,000 and $100,000 from the department's forfeiture account. Money from that account is seized from criminal incidents and is designated for law enforcement purposes.

The case began after several complaints were received. It was under investigation for three years by Texas Rangers and the FBI before the indictment was issued in September 2009.